“VUK’UHLOME, WE ARE COMBAT READY!”- MOTSHEKGA

Members of the SANDF and the South African Police Service (SAPS) conduct a joint crowd management drill by PhotoZinhle Bhuda

The South African Army’s combat readiness was definitively evaluated during Exercise Vuk’uhlome 2025, which featured a highly coordinated combined arms firepower demonstration that confirmed the force’s capacity to function in all types of conflict, from high-intensity warfare to civil unrest.

A convoy of Casspir Armoured Personnel Carriers lined up and ready for deployment. Photo by Zinhle Bhuda

This significant event demonstrated the army’s readiness for challenging duties both domestically and internationally.

The demonstration, which took place on Distinguished Visitors’ Day, November 26, 2025, was intended to be a high-stakes evaluation rather than merely a performance.

The iconic G6 Rhino self-propelled howitzer (left) firing alongside a G5 howitzer, demonstrating the long-range firepower capabilities of the South African Army. Photo by Zinhle Bhuda

Its primary goals were to evaluate and enhance force readiness and, most importantly, to provide compatibility between the South African Air Force (SAAF) and all specialized units.

Success was measured by the seamless integration of capabilities across escalating threat levels.

Hundreds of SA Army soldiers stand in formation at the Combat Training Centre in Lohatla. Photo by Zinhle Bhuda

Speaking on the exercise’s overall success, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, also highlighted the national duty.

“I am very humbled by our chiefs from both the defence and army for the work they showcased.

We are combat ready! Vuk’uhlome affirms our capacity to carry out mandated operations in areas of requirements,” Motshega stated.

The scenario unfolded in distinct, escalating phases, illustrating appropriate response before building up to a decisive battle, which tested a range of skills.

The demonstration began with the use of Infantry and Military Police units to manage a simulated civil unrest.

This phase validated the army’s role in Internal Security operations and border protection, focusing on crowd control formations and the proportional use of force.

Then, the scenario rapidly transitioned into a high-intensity conflict.

This phase relied on Intelligence assets for real-time target acquisition and early warning.

The Artillery Formation initiated the main action, using vehicles like the G6 Self-Propelled Howitzer for precision
fire.

Furthermore, the SAAF demonstrated essential air support skills, providing simulated air support and executing rapid troop deployment using a helicopter, showcasing the critical air-to-ground link.

After clearing the path, Engineer Formation then demonstrated counter-mobility skills, including the use of simulated demolition techniques to deny the enemy ground.

Moreover, the exercise featured Airborne Forces, known as paratroopers, rapidly deploying to secure key objectives behind enemy lines, validating their unique rapid reaction capability.

The Armour Formation then advanced for shock action, followed by Infantry troops to clear and secure the captured positions.

Addressing the media, Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General Khulekani Mbatha focused on the successful collaboration of the force across these phases.

“The combined arms show demonstrated that our strength as the SA Army is on another level.

The performance proved our expertise and informs our future force modernisation requirements, affirming our desire to operate at a global standard,” he said.

He went on to say that the goal of protecting the nation is made achievable by collaboration with the South African Police Service.

Exercise Vuk’uhlome represents the height of the SA Army’s annual training cycle, successfully validating the “One Force Concept.”

This rigorous demonstration assures the nation that its defence capabilities are current and effective against dynamic threats, fulfilling the mandate for operational readiness.